Medical Resources: The Thyroid Gland & Related Disorders

The thyroid gland is the largest gland in the neck. It is below the skin and muscles in the front of the neck and is the shape of a butterfly. The wings of this ‘butterfly’ would represent the right and left lobes and they wrap around the trachea. This gland is prone to several extremely common and distinct problems which can be simplified as problems that affect the hormone production, problems that have to do with overgrowth of the thyroid gland, the formation of lumps or nodules and cancerous issues.

Function of the Thyroid Gland & Thyroid Hormones

The sole function of the thyroid gland is to produce hormones. The two most important hormones that are produced by the thyroid gland are triiodothyronine and thyroxine. These hormones affect almost all of the tissues in the body by increasing cellular activity. Because of this, the function of the thyroid is to regulate the metabolism in the body.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common problem where the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormone. This condition can be present for a number of years before being detected. The most common cause is due to inflammation of the thyroid gland but can also be associated with pregnancy. Some of the earlier symptoms include fatigue, depression, constipation, weakness, and unintentional weight gain. Later symptoms include slow speech, thinning of eyebrows, thickening of tongue and decreased taste and smell. Doctors treat this condition by replacing the hormone that is missing with a drug such as levothyroxine, which is the most common treatment.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is the result of the thyroid gland producing too much of the hormone. It is also referred to as an overactive thyroid and symptoms include difficulty concentrating, increasing sweating, restlessness, frequent bowel movements, heat tolerance, increased appetite, and nervousness. This condition is usually treated with radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid medications, or surgery to remove the thyroid.

  • Hyperthyroidism: Informational brochure on hyperthyroidism for patients.
  • Hyperthyroidism: Diagnosis and treatment information for hyperthyroidism.
  • Hyperthyroidism: Information including complications, renegade cells and tumors.
  • Thyroid Disease: Information on understanding hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
  • Hyperthyroidism: General information on hyperthyroidism including diagrams.

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are growths in the tissue of the thyroid gland that are abnormal. These growths are generally at the edge of the gland and can be felt in the throat as a lump. If they are large or found in thin individuals, they can be viewed as a lump in the front of the neck. Most nodules are benign and do not cause symptoms and are found by noticing a lump.

Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to hyperthyroidism. The disorder can occur at any age, but is most common in women who are over 20 years of age. Symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, frequent bowel movements, increased appetite, sweating, rapid or irregular heartbeat, double vision, and weight loss. Beta blockers are often used along with anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, and surgery.

  • Graves Disease: Educational information on Graves’ disease including signs and symptoms, risk factors and pictures.
  • Graves Disease: Specific information on diagnosis and additional resources.
  • Eye Conditions: Information on Graves’ disease including the signs and symptoms.
  • Graves' Disease: Definition of thyroid gland and an example case study.
  • Graves' Disease Foundation: Link to the Graves’ Disease Foundation.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a condition that is named after the first doctor, Dr. Hakaru Hashimoto, who described the condition in 1912. In the United States, it is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and is an autoimmune disease. The body attacks the thyroid gland as if it were a foreign tissue. Symptoms of this condition are often subtle and include fatigue, depression, constipation, modest weight gain, and excessive sleepiness. Although there is no cure for this condition, the symptoms can be alleviated through hormone replacement therapy.

Birth Defects of the Thyroid Gland

Hypothyroidism, or thyroid hormone deficiency, is the most common thyroid disorder that occurs during pregnancy. Since the symptoms of hypothyroidism are similar to the symptoms experienced during pregnancy, it often goes unnoticed. If it is noticed, it is safe to complete hormone therapy during pregnancy. Although it is rare, babies may be born without a thyroid gland, but this is not caused by thyroid problems that the mother experienced. However, radioactive iodine can destroy the thyroid cells in the fetus by crossing the placenta.

  • Pregnancy Complications: Information on the complications that are related to thyroid conditions in pregnant women.
  • Thyroid Problems and Pregnancy: Information including headaches, nervousness, anxiety and high blood pressure that can be experienced during pregnancy with thyroid problems.

Trauma to the Thyroid

In the event that one experiences blunt trauma to the thyroid gland, surgery may need to be conducted. If there are any effects on hormone production, hormone replacement therapy may need to be followed.